So, You're About to Graduate.
My time at Grand Valley State University is nearing its end. So far, this last semester has come with a lot of opportunities, growth, and excitement for the next chapter—but along with that, it has also brought a lot of stress.
There are many seniors who know the route they’ll take post-graduation. But if you’re like me, you’re not sure of what that next chapter will be yet. And although you’re excited to start something new, it also scares you a bit.
So, from one lost soul to another, here are some options and advice for where to start:
Apply to Full-time Jobs
Most obviously, you could start applying for full-time jobs. A good place to start job hunting is asking people in your network if they know of any openings. This industry is built on relationships, and as they say, “it’s not what you know, but who you know.”
You can also search company websites or browse job posting sites like LinkedIn or Handshake. You can start browsing by typing these terms in the search bar:
Public relations
Advertising
Communications
Marketing
Writing
Journalism
Graphic Design
Events
Apply to Internships
An internship is usually a requirement to complete before graduation, but who says you can’t also do one after graduation? If you’re unsure about what industry or type of PR you’d like to pursue, this is a great option to help you explore. If you don’t enjoy the experience, it can be temporary. If you do enjoy it, there’s a chance the employer may hire you for a full-time position.
Attend Grad School
If you like learning, you don’t have to stop now! You could work toward a master’s degree at the university where you completed your undergraduate, or you could apply to and attend a different school. Also, graduate programs aren’t always the same as undergraduate, so you could pick from a variety of related disciplines, such as Communications, Business, Public Administration, etc.
Volunteer
There are many nonprofit organizations that are always looking for volunteers. If you’re still trying to “figure life out”, this may be a good way to spend some of your free time and make a difference in others’ lives. And although it won’t provide you with an income, volunteering is a great way to learn about organizations and stick your foot in the door in case any job opportunities arise within them.
Travel
If you have the money and resources, taking a break from school and work for a little bit may be a good option for you. A lot of students choose to do study abroad programs during college, but if you couldn’t fit that in, this is the perfect chance to get out and explore on your own. Who knows—maybe it will inspire you to pursue careers abroad!
Ask Someone for Help
When in doubt, ask somebody who knows you, and your interests for advice. This could be somebody you have a professional relationship with (advisor, professor), or somebody you have a personal relationship with (parent, sibling, partner). They won’t be able to decide for you, but they could help you get started brainstorming.
The future is a bit scary for all of us. Be confident in what you’ve learned, be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and be open to new opportunities. You’ll be just fine.
About Kendall:
Kendall Lemmen is a senior at GVSU, studying Advertising and Public Relations, with minors in Writing and Spanish. This is her third semester as an Account Associate with GrandPR. She is also a member of GVSU's PRSSA chapter. Her PR specialties include writing and editing, document design, and market research. In her free time, Kendall enjoys reading, baking, and crafts.